Optical communication interface system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for optical communication are provided. For instance, a method for optical communication can include receiving, by a first coupling module, a power-on signal from a first electronic device coupled to the first coupling module. The method can also include relaying, by the first coupling module, a first optical signal to a second coupling module coupled to a second electronic device. The method can also include relaying, by the second coupling module, in response to receipt of the first optical signal, a second optical signal to the first coupling module. The method can also include activating, by the first coupling module, in response to receipt of the second optical signal, a data transfer circuit for relaying data via an optical communication interface between the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims filing benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/060,671 having a filing date of Aug. 4, 2020which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to communication interfaces. Inparticular, the present disclosure relates to optical communicationinterfaces for protocols such as High-Definition Multimedia Interface(HDMI).

BACKGROUND

For high-speed communication, many types of communication interfaceshave been developed and used. For example, High-Definition MultimediaInterface (HDMI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Display Port (DP), DigitalVisual Interface (DVI), and Video Graphics Array (VGA) interfaces arerelatively common in the market and have continued to evolve. Forexample, HDMI is an audio/video interface for transmitting compressed oruncompressed audio/video data from a source device (e.g., a Blu-ray Disc(BD) Player) to a sink device (e.g., a TV). With the increasingprevalence of multimedia applications, additional implementations ofHDMI usage are regularly occurring. HDMI communication systems cantransmit signals by electrical manner or optical manner or hybrid manner(i.e., a combination of electrical and optical) in a communicationinterface. For example, in an electrical implementation, electricalwires are equipped in a cable, and in an optical implementation, opticalfibers are equipped in a cable. In a hybrid implementation, electricalwires and optical fibers are equipped in a cable.

SUMMARY

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will beset forth in part in the following description, or may be learned fromthe description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a dualdirection optical communication interface system including a firstcoupling module, a second coupling module, and a cable. The firstcoupling module includes a first connector for coupling to a firstelectronic device and a first optical transceiver that is configured foruse as either a sink or source for HDMI communication. The secondcoupling module includes a second connector for coupling to a secondelectronic device and a second optical transceiver that is configuredfor use as either a sink or source for HDMI communication. The cable iscoupled between the first coupling module and the second coupling moduleand includes one or more optical fibers. The cable is further configuredto provide data transmission and reception over a plurality of channelsbetween the first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the first optical transceiver is configuredto both transmit optical audio/video signals to the second opticaltransceiver via the one or more optical fibers and to receive opticalaudio/video signals from the second optical transceiver, while thesecond optical transceiver is configured to both transmit opticalaudio/video signals to the first optical transceiver via the one or moreoptical fibers and to receive optical audio/video signals from the firstoptical transceiver.

In some example embodiments, each of the one or more optical fibers isconfigured to transmit and receive data of a corresponding bidirectionaldata communication channel of a plurality of bidirectional datacommunication channels between the first coupling module and the secondcoupling module.

In some example embodiments, the cable includes a first set of opticalfibers and a second set of optical fibers. The first set of opticalfibers is configured for single direction data transmission of datacommunication channels from the first coupling module to the secondcoupling module. The second set of optical fibers configured for singledirection data transmission of data communication channels from thesecond coupling module to the first coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the first optical transceiver is configuredto both transmit and receive video signals, audio signals, and controlstatus signals to and from the first electronic device, while the secondoptical transceiver is configured to both transmit and receive videosignals, audio signals, and control status signals to and from thesecond electronic device.

In some example embodiments, the first coupling module includes a firstnon-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store dataindicative of the display capabilities of the first electronic devicewhen the first electronic device is configured to serve as a sinkdevice, while the second coupling module includes a secondnon-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store dataindicative of the display capabilities of the second electronic devicewhen the second electronic device is configured to serve as a sinkdevice.

In some example embodiments, the cable includes an optical fiber or anelectrical wire for a bidirectional hot plug detect (HPD) transmissionchannel configured to relay confirmation of a power-on signal detectedat either the first electronic device or the second electronic device.

In some example embodiments, at least one of the first coupling moduleor the second coupling module is detachable from the cable. Moreparticularly, the first coupling module can include a first cableconnector that is configured such that the first coupling module isdetachable from the cable, while the second coupling module can includea second cable connector that is configured such that the secondcoupling module is detachable from the cable.

In some example embodiments, at least one of the first coupling moduleor the second coupling module includes a touch sensor configured totoggle data transmission over the cable on and off.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to anoptical communication interface system that includes a first couplingmodule, a second coupling module, a cable, and a switch. The firstcoupling module includes a first device connector for coupling to afirst electronic device, a first coupling circuit including data relaycircuitry, and a first circuit housing substantially encasing the firstcoupling circuit. The second coupling module includes a second deviceconnector for coupling to a second electronic device, a second couplingcircuit including data relay circuitry, and a second circuit housingsubstantially encasing the second coupling circuit. The cable is coupledbetween the first coupling module and the second coupling module,includes one or more optical fibers, and is configured to provide datatransmission and reception over a plurality of channels between thefirst coupling module and the second coupling module. The switch ispositioned on at least one of the first circuit housing or the secondcircuit housing. The switch is configured to toggle data transmission onand off over the plurality of channels between the first coupling moduleand the second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the switch includes a touch sensor.

In some example embodiments, the first coupling module includes a firstoptical transceiver and the second coupling module comprises a secondoptical transceiver. The first optical transceiver is configured to bothtransmit optical audio/video signals to the second optical transceivervia the one or more optical fibers and to receive optical audio/videosignals from the second optical transceiver. The second opticaltransceiver is configured to both transmit optical audio/video signalsto the first optical transceiver via the one or more optical fibers andto receive optical audio/video signals from the first opticaltransceiver.

In some example embodiments, each of the one or more optical fibers isconfigured to transmit and receive data of a corresponding bidirectionaldata communication channel of a plurality of bidirectional datacommunication channels between the first coupling module and the secondcoupling module.

In some example embodiments, the cable includes a first set of opticalfibers and a second set of optical fibers. The first set of opticalfibers is configured for single direction data transmission of datacommunication channels from the first coupling module to the secondcoupling module. The second set of optical fibers is configured forsingle direction data transmission of data communication channels fromthe second coupling module to the first coupling module.

In some example embodiments, at least one of the first coupling moduleor the second coupling module is detachable from the cable.

Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to anoptical communication interface system that includes a first couplingmodule, a second coupling module, and a cable. The first coupling moduleincludes a first device connector for coupling to a first electronicdevice and a data transmitter for transmitting data received from thefirst electronic device. The second coupling module includes a seconddevice connector for coupling to a second electronic device and a datareceiver for receiving data designated for receipt by the secondelectronic device. The cable is coupled between the first couplingmodule and the second coupling module, includes one or more opticalfibers, and is configured to provide data transmission and receptionover a plurality of channels between the first coupling module and thesecond coupling module. One or more channels of the plurality ofchannels are operated in a power saving mode when there is no data totransmit between the first coupling module and the second couplingmodule.

In some example embodiments, the first coupling module includes a powersaving circuit configured to receive a plurality of data signal linesfrom the first electronic device and to generate a control signal tooperate one or more channels of the plurality of channels in a powersaving mode when one or more data signal lines of the plurality of datasignal lines from the first electronic device indicate that no data isavailable.

In some example embodiments, the first coupling module is configured tomonitor the presence of data on a plurality of data signal lines fromthe first electronic device. When no data has been present on one ormore data signal lines of the plurality of data signal lines for athreshold amount of time, one or more channels associated with the oneor more data signal lines are configured to operate in a power savingmode.

In some example embodiments, the second coupling module includes a powersaving circuit configured to monitor a given channel of the plurality ofchannels between the first coupling module and the second couplingmodule, the given channel designated in an operational mode for trafficdetection. Operation of remaining channels of the plurality of channelsbetween the first coupling module and the second coupling module areinitiated in a power saving mode when no data traffic is detected on thegiven channel. The remaining channels of the plurality of channelsbetween the first coupling module and the second coupling module areactivated in an operational mode for data transfer when data traffic isdetected on the given channel.

Yet another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to amethod. The method includes receiving, by a first coupling module, apower-on signal from a first electronic device coupled to the firstcoupling module. The method also includes relaying, by the firstcoupling module, a first optical signal to a second coupling modulecoupled to a second electronic device. The method also includesrelaying, by the second coupling module, in response to receipt of thefirst optical signal, a second optical signal to the first couplingmodule. The method also includes activating, by the first couplingmodule, in response to receipt of the second optical signal, a datatransfer circuit for relaying data via an optical communicationinterface between the first coupling module and the second couplingmodule.

In some example embodiments, the first optical signal is indicative ofthe power-on signal received from the first electronic device anddetected by one or more pins of a connector between the first couplingmodule and the first electronic device.

In some example embodiments, the second optical signal is indicative ofa hot plug detect (HPD) signal received from the second electronicdevice.

In some example embodiments, the method includes applying the power-onsignal from the first electronic device to a source-side circuit in thefirst coupling module. In some example embodiments, the method alsoincludes using the source-side circuit in the first coupling module togenerate the first optical signal. For example, the source-side circuitin the first coupling module is configured to receive the second opticalsignal and initiate activation of the data transfer circuit for relayingdata between the first coupling module and second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the method includes receiving the firstoptical signal at a sink-side circuit in the second coupling module andusing the sink-side circuit to translate the first optical signal into apower-on signal for the second electronic device. For example, themethod can include receiving, by the sink-side circuit, a hot plugdetect (HDP) signal from the second electronic device and using thesink-side circuit to translate the HDP signal into the second opticalsignal.

In some example embodiments, the method includes waiting for a firstsettling time to elapse between receiving the power-on signal from thefirst electronic device and relaying the first optical signal from thefirst coupling module to the second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the method includes waiting for a secondsettling time to elapse between receiving the second optical signal andrelaying data between a source transceiver in the first coupling moduleand a sink transceiver in the second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the method includes relaying, by firstcoupling module, data from the first electronic device to the secondcoupling module for receipt at the second electronic device.

In some example embodiments, the first optical signal and the secondoptical signal are relayed over an optical fiber cable coupled betweenthe first coupling module and the second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the optical fiber includes a first opticalfiber and a light-emitting element, the first coupling module comprisesa first transceiver, the second coupling module comprises a secondtransceiver, and a light emitted by the light-emitting elementcorresponds to one or more characteristics of the first transceiver orthe second transceiver.

In some example embodiments, the one or more characteristics include avibration level.

In some example embodiments, the first transceiver includes alight-control circuit that is configured to control one or more of atype of light, a frequency, a brightness, a color, or a number of lightsemitted by the light-emitting element.

A still further example aspect of the present disclosure is directed toan optical communication interface system that includes a first couplingmodule, a second coupling module, and a cable coupled between the firstcoupling module and the second coupling module. The first couplingmodule includes a first device connector for coupling to a firstelectronic device, a source transceiver configured to relay dataassociated with the first electronic device, and a source-side circuitconfigured to receive a power-on signal from the first electronic deviceand generate a first optical signal for relay from the first couplingmodule to a second coupling module. The second coupling module includesa second device connector for coupling to a second electronic device, asink transceiver configured to relay data associated with the secondelectronic device, and a sink-side circuit configured to receive thefirst optical signal and to generate a second optical signal for relayfrom the second coupling module to the first coupling module. The cableincludes one or more optical fibers and is configured to provide datatransmission and reception over a plurality of channels between thefirst coupling module and the second coupling module upon receipt of thesecond optical signal by the first coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the first optical signal is indicative ofthe power-on signal received from the first electronic device asdetected by one or more pins of the first device connector.

In some example embodiments, the second optical signal is indicative ofa hot plug detect (HPD) signal received from the second electronicdevice as detected by one or more pins of the second device connector.

In some example embodiments, the source-side circuit in the firstcoupling module is configured to receive the second optical signal andinitiate activation of a data transfer circuit for relaying data betweenthe first coupling module and second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the sink-side circuit in the secondcoupling module is configured to receive the first optical signal andtranslate the first optical signal into a power-on signal for the secondelectronic device.

In some example embodiments, the second coupling circuit includes adiode to prevent reverse power from the power-on signal for the secondelectronic device from flowing back into the sink-side circuit.

In some example embodiments, the sink-side circuit in the secondcoupling module is configured to receive a hot plug detect (HDP) signalfrom the second electronic device and translate the HDP signal into thesecond optical signal.

In some example embodiments, the source-side circuit of the firstcoupling module is configured to wait for a first settling time toelapse between receiving the power-on signal from the first electronicdevice and relaying the first optical signal from the first couplingmodule to the second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the source-side circuit of the firstcoupling module is configured to wait for a second settling time toelapse between receiving the second optical signal and relaying databetween the source transceiver in the first coupling module and the sinktransceiver in the second coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the source transceiver of the firstcoupling module is configured to both transmit optical audio/videosignals to the sink transceiver of the second coupling module via theone or more optical fibers and to receive optical audio/video signalsfrom the sink transceiver. Similarly, the sink transceiver of the secondcoupling module is configured to both transmit optical audio/videosignals to the source transceiver of the first coupling module via theone or more optical fibers and to receive optical audio/video signalsfrom the source transceiver.

In some example embodiments, the one or more optical fibers areconfigured to transmit and receive data of a corresponding bidirectionaldata communication channel of a plurality of bidirectional datacommunication channels between the first coupling module and the secondcoupling module.

In some example embodiments, the cable coupled between the firstcoupling module and the second coupling module includes a first set ofoptical fibers and a second set of optical fibers. The first set ofoptical fibers is configured for single direction data transmission ofdata communication channels from the first coupling module to the secondcoupling module. The second set of optical fibers is configured forsingle direction data transmission of data communication channels fromthe second coupling module to the first coupling module.

In some example embodiments, the cable includes a light-emittingelement, and a light emitted by the light-emitting element correspondsto one or more characteristics of the source transceiver or the sinktransceiver.

In some exemplary embodiments, the source transceiver includes a firsttransmitter and a light-control circuit coupled to the firsttransmitter, the light-emitting element partially or fully surrounds theone or more optical fibers, and a light emitted by the light-emittingelement corresponds to one or more characteristics associated with thefirst transceiver or the second transceiver.

In some exemplary embodiments, the source transceiver includes avibration sensor configured to communicate a vibration level to thelight-control circuit, and the one or more characteristics include thevibration level communicated from the vibration sensor to thelight-control circuit.

In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more characteristics includeone or more of a data transmitting rate, a clock rate, an imageresolution, a power level, a temperature, a vibration level, or acontent associated with data transmission over the one or more opticalfibers.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to anoptical communication interface. The optical communication interfaceincludes a cable including a first optical fiber and a light-emittingelement. The optical communication interface includes a firsttransceiver including a first transmitter configured to receive an inputdata, convert the input data to a first optical signal, and transmit thefirst optical signal through the first optical fiber; and alight-control circuit coupled to the first transmitter, thelight-control circuit configured to control the light-emitting element.The optical communication interface includes a second transceiverincluding a first receiver configured to receive the first opticalsignal. The light-emitting element partially or fully surrounds thefirst optical fiber. A light emitted by the light-emitting elementcorresponds to one or more characteristics associated with the firsttransceiver or the second transceiver. The one or more characteristicsinclude a vibration level.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to anoptical communication interface. The optical communication interfaceincludes a cable including a first optical fiber. The opticalcommunication interface includes a first transceiver including a firsttransmitter configured to: receive an input data; convert the input datato a first optical signal; transmit the first optical signal through thefirst optical fiber; and transmit a second optical signal through asecond optical fiber. The optical communication interface includes asecond transceiver including a first receiver configured to receive thefirst optical signal and the second optical signal. The second opticalsignal is converted into an electrical signal which is used as a powersource for the first receiver.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to anoptical communication interface. The optical communication interfaceincludes a cable including a first optical fiber and a light-emittingelement. The optical communication interface includes a firsttransceiver. The first transceiver includes a first transmitterconfigured to receive an input data, convert the input data to a firstoptical signal, and transmit the first optical signal through the firstoptical fiber; and a light-control circuit coupled to the transmitter,the light-control circuit configured to control the light-emittingelement; and a vibration sensor configured to communicate a vibrationlevel to the light-control circuit. The optical communication interfaceincludes a second transceiver including a first receiver configured toreceive the first optical signal. The light-emitting element partiallyor fully surrounds the first optical signal. A light emitted by thelight-emitting element corresponds to one or more characteristicsassociated with the first transceiver or the second transceiver.

Other example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems,methods, apparatuses, and communication interfaces.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodimentswill become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the related principles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisapplication will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1-4 depict block diagrams of example aspects of a bidirectionalcommunication system according to example aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of an example detachable communicationsystem according to example aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of an example power saving communicationsystem according to example aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram of an example power-on circuit for acommunication system according to example aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart of an example power-on method for acommunication system according to example aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of a example power saving communicationsystem according to example aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of a example power saving communicationsystem according to example aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts an example structure for an optical communicationinterface according to example aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example opticalcommunication interface according to example aspects of the presentdisclosure; and

FIGS. 13-22 depict examples of an optical communication interfaceaccording to example aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to communicationusing protocols such as HDMI. Such technology can include systems,methods, apparatuses, and/or communication interfaces that are intendedto provide a structured framework for communicating between HDMI devicesin a manner that generally improves various aspects (e.g., power, formfactor, convenience, etc.) of overall communication. The devices,systems, and methods of the present disclosure can provide a number oftechnical effects and benefits. Although description herein focuses on acommunication interface in the context of HDMI operation, it should beappreciated that aspects of the disclosure could also equally apply toUSB, DP, DVI, VGA, or other types of communication interfaces.

More particularly, according to some examples, an HDMI communicationsystem can provide a data communication interface between a first HDMIdevice (e.g., a laptop) and a second HDMI device (e.g., a monitor). Ingeneral, an HDMI communication system can include a first HDMI couplingmodule that includes a first device connector for coupling to the firstHDMI device, and a second HDMI coupling module that includes a seconddevice connector for coupling to the second HDMI device. An HDMIcommunication system can also include one or more optical fiber cablescoupled between the first and second HDMI coupling modules andconfigured to provide a plurality of data communication channels betweenthe first and second HDMI coupling modules. As described throughout thisdisclosure, an optical communication system or an optical couplingmodule can be full-optical (i.e., only optical fibers are used betweentwo ends of a connection) or hybrid (i.e., a combination of opticalfibers and electrical wires between two ends of a connection).

In accordance with one example aspect of the disclosed technology, anHDMI communication system can be configured for dual directionfunctionality. Some conventional HDMI communication systems require thatone end of an HDMI cable be connected to a source device, while theother end of an HDMI cable be connected to a sink device. For theseconventional HDMI cables, the source side cable circuitry is designedfor data transmission functionality only, while sink side circuitry isdesigned for data reception functionality only. As such, if the sourceside of the cable is connected to the sink device and/or if the sinkside of the cable is connected to the source device, proper operation ofthe communication system will not be achieved. By designing an HDMIcommunication system with dual optical-transceivers and relatedcircuitry provided at both source and sink sides of a system, it willnot matter which end of an HDMI cable is plugged into a sink device andwhich end of an HDMI cable is plugged into a source device. Both ends ofthe cable are configured for both data transmission and reception. Easeof use, connection flexibility, and increased likelihood offunctionality are all potential improvements realized by communicationsystems as described herein that provide dual direction functionality.

Another example aspect of the disclosed technology is directed to anoptical HDMI communication system that has a connector that isdetachable from the fiber optic cable. For example, an HDMIcommunication system can include first and second HDMI coupling modules.Each coupling module can include a device connector for coupling to anHDMI device and a cable connector for coupling to a fiber optic cable.At least one of the cable connectors can be detachable from the opticalfiber cable. For example, in some implementations, both of a first cableconnector and a second cable connector are configured to be detachablefrom the optical fiber cable. Such a configuration can advantageouslyprovide design flexibility and/or system customization by allowing forinterchangeability of optical cables having different lengths as suitedfor different applications. For instance, some applications requiringlonger distance transmission may require an optical cable having greatersize or functionality, and vice versa for other applications. Bycreating an HDMI communication system with detachable components, plugand play design can be achieved, offering numerous technical advantagesand overall design flexibility. As another example, a detachableconnector allows a coupling module to stay plugged to the correspondingsource/sink device for ease of moving the source/sink device without aneed to carry an optical fiber cable.

Another example aspect of the disclosed technology is directed to anHDMI communication system that has power saving features. An HDMIcommunication system with power saving features can advantageouslyreduce system wear and tear, decrease overall power consumption andoperational costs for connected HDMI devices, and improve HDMIcommunication system efficiency.

In some examples, power saving features can be provided by way of aswitch (e.g., touch sensor) that is provided at one or more of a firstor second HDMI coupling module. For instance, a touch sensor can beprovided that is configured to toggle data transmission over an opticalfiber cable between first and second coupling modules on and off. Insome examples, the touch sensor is positioned on a circuit housing of agiven HDMI coupling module. Provision of such a touch sensor can providea manual power saving option to the system. In addition, an HDMIcommunication system can be switched on and/or off without actuallyunplugging the cable, and therefore reducing wear and tear.

In other power saving implementations of the disclosed technology, oneor more channels of a plurality of channels in a fiber optic cable areoperated in a power saving mode when there is no data to transmitbetween the first HDMI coupling module and the second HDMI couplingmodule.

More particularly, in some implementations, power saving features can beprovided at the transmitter side of an HDMI communication system. In oneexample, a first HDMI coupling module (e.g., transmitter module) canreceive a plurality of data signal lines from a first HDMI device (e.g.,source device) and generate a control signal to operate one or morechannels of the plurality of channels in a power saving mode when one ormore data signal lines of the plurality of data signal lines from thefirst HDMI device indicate that no data is available. In anotherexample, a first HDMI coupling module can be configured to monitor thepresence of data on a plurality of data signal lines from the first HDMIdevice. When no data has been present on one or more data signal linesof the plurality of data signal lines for a threshold amount of time,one or more channels associated with the one or more data signal linescan be configured to operate in a power saving mode.

Still further, in some implementations, power saving features can beprovided at the receiver side of an HDMI communication system. Forexample, a second HDMI coupling module (e.g., receiver module) caninclude a power saving circuit configured to monitor a given channel ofa plurality of channels between a first HDMI coupling module and asecond HDMI coupling module, the given channel designated in anoperational mode for traffic detection. When no data traffic is detectedon the given channel, operation of the remaining channels of theplurality of channels between the first HDMI coupling module and thesecond HDMI coupling module can be initiated in a power saving mode.When data traffic is detected on the given channel, the remainingchannels of the plurality of channels between the first HDMI couplingmodule and the second HDMI coupling module can be initiated in anoperational mode for data transfer.

Still further technical effects and benefits of the disclosed technologycan be realized through systems and methods that provide an all opticalpower-on sequence for an HDMI communication system. This arrangementhelps to coordinate signals associated with operational confirmation,especially with an all optical HDMI communication system. By removing orreducing the use of electrical signals between first and second ends ofan HDMI cable, greater realizing of the benefits of optical transmission(e.g., thin cables, greater signal stability over longer datacommunication distances, without need for external power) can berealized and maintained.

Example aspects of the present disclosure are further directed tooptical communication interfaces equipped with various features,including feature lighting, power over fiber, and vibration sensingcapabilities. For example, a feature lighting equipped cable cangenerate feature lights based on the signal transmitted, such as thedata transmitted over the cable. In some implementations, a vibrationsensor can obtain a vibration level associated with the cable, and thefeature lights can be emitted based on the vibration level. Further,example aspects of the present disclosure allow for power-over-fiber tobe provided to power a receiver of the interface, such as anaudio-visual (A/V) or sideband receiver.

The devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can providea number of technical effects and benefits. For example, the featurelights according to example aspects of the present disclosure can allowfor a visual indication of the data being transmitted over the cable tobe provided to a user. For example, a HDMI cable with a feature lightcan allow a user to quickly ascertain the resolution of an imagetransmitted over the cable, such as during playback of A/V media.

Moreover, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosurecan allow for improved techniques to provide power to a receiver of acable. For example, light transmitted over an optical fiber can beconverted into an electrical signal suitable for providing power to areceiver of a cable, such as an A/V or sideband receiver. In someimplementations, this may eliminate the need for a separate powersource, such as a power source provided by a sink device (e.g., atelevision or display monitor).

With reference to the figures, example embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be discussed in further detail. FIG. 1 depicts aspectsof a bidirectional HDMI communication system 100 according to exampleaspects of the present disclosure. HDMI communication system 100 isgenerally configured to serve as an optical communication interfacebetween a first HDMI device 102 and a second HDMI device 104. First HDMIdevice 102 and second HDMI device 104 can include various devices, suchas but not limited to source devices (e.g., Blu-Ray Disc Player, laptop,personal computer, game console, etc.) and/or sink devices (e.g., TV,display monitor, etc.).

Referring still to FIG. 1, HDMI communication system 100 can include afirst HDMI coupling module 110, a second HDMI coupling module 120, andoptical fiber cable(s) 130. The first HDMI coupling module 110 caninclude a first connector 112 for coupling to the first HDMI device 102and a first optical transceiver 114 that is configured for use as eithera sink (i.e., receiver) or source (i.e., transmitter). The second HDMIcoupling module 120 can include a second connector 122 for coupling to asecond HDMI device 104 and a second optical transceiver 124 that isconfigured for use as either a sink or source transceiver. When actingas a transmitter, an optical transceiver receives one or more electricalsignals from a source HDMI device, and converts the one or moreelectrical signals into one or more optical signals (e.g., by using adriver circuitry to drive one or more light sources such as a lightemitting diode or laser). When acting as a receiver, an opticaltransceiver receives one or more optical signals (e.g., by using aphotodiode), and converts the one or more optical signals into one ormore electrical signals to be provided to a sink device (e.g., by usingtransimpedance amplifier to convert a photo-current to a voltage).

Optical fiber cable(s) 130 can be coupled between the first HDMIcoupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 and cancorrespond to a cable that includes one or more optical fibers. Opticalfiber cable(s) 130 can be further configured to provide both datatransmission and reception over a plurality of channels between thefirst HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120.For example, an HDMI cable can include four data channels and one ormore sideband channels for exchanging information such as powerinformation, ARC/eARC (audio return channel), SCL (clock in display datachannel), SDA (data in display data channel), CEC (consumer electronicscontrol), HPD (hot-plug detect), etc. Each channel can be implementedusing a separate optical fiber, or can be implemented using a singleoptical fiber with a wavelength/time/code divisionmultiplexing/demultiplexing scheme. The first HDMI coupling module 110and second HDMI coupling module 120 serve as connector devices disposedon opposite ends of the optical fiber cable(s) 130.

In some implementations, the HDMI communication system 100 may be ahybrid implementation, where one or more electrical cables 150 arecoupled between the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMIcoupling module 120. For example, the higher-speed bidirectional datacommunication channels 135 (as described in reference to FIG. 2) can beimplemented using optical means (e.g., optical transceivers coupled withoptical fiber(s)), and the lower-speed data (e.g., CEC, utility, HPD,DDC, etc.) can be implemented using electrical means (e.g., electricaltransceivers coupled with electrical wire(s) such as copper wires).

In accordance with an example aspect of the disclosed technology, HDMIcommunication system 100 can be configured for dual directionfunctionality. As such, if first HDMI device 102 is configured foroperation as a source device (e.g., a television, laptop, gaming system,etc.) and second HDMI device 104 is configured for operation as a sinkdevice (e.g., a monitor or other display device), HDMI communicationsystem 100 will provide the same functionality whether first connector112 is physically coupled to the first HDMI device 102 and secondconnector 122 is physically coupled to the second HDMI device 104 orfirst connector 112 is physically coupled to the second HDMI device 104and second connector 122 is physically coupled to the first HDMI device102. Because HDMI communication system 100 has dual transceiversembodied by first optical transceiver 114 and second optical transceiver124 and related circuitry (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2) provided at bothsource and sink sides of a system (e.g., in first HDMI coupling module110 and in second HDMI coupling module 120), it will not matter whichside of an HDMI cable embodied by HDMI communication system 100 isplugged into a sink device and which side is plugged into a sourcedevice.

Both sides of the HDMI communication system 100 (e.g., both first HDMIcoupling module 110 and second HDMI coupling module 120) are configuredfor both data transmission and reception. More particularly, the firstoptical transceiver 114 of first HDMI coupling module 110 is configuredto both transmit optical audio/video signals to the second opticaltransceiver 124 of the second HDMI coupling module 120 via the opticalfiber cable(s) 130 and to receive optical audio/video signals from thesecond optical transceiver 124. Similarly, the second opticaltransceiver 124 is configured to both transmit optical audio/videosignals to the first optical transceiver 114 via the optical fibercable(s) 130 and to receive optical audio/video signals from the firstoptical transceiver 114.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 5 herein, at least one of thefirst HDMI coupling module 110 or the second HDMI coupling module 120 isdetachable from the optical fiber cable(s) 130. In still furtherimplementations, as shown in FIG. 6 herein, at least one of the firstHDMI coupling module 110 or the second HDMI coupling module 120 caninclude a switch (e.g., touch sensor) configured to toggle datatransmission over the optical fiber cable on and off.

FIGS. 2-4 depict still further aspects of a bidirectional HDMIcommunication system according to example aspects of the presentdisclosure, such as can be incorporated with HDMI communication system100 depicted in FIG. 1.

With more particular reference to FIG. 2, first HDMI coupling module 110and second HDMI coupling module 120 are both depicted as having similarcomponents. For example, first HDMI coupling module 110 includes firstoptical transceiver 114 and related circuitry, while second HDMIcoupling module 120 includes second optical transceiver 124 and relatedcircuitry. First optical transceiver 114 is configured to both transmitand receive video signals 115, audio signals 116, and control statussignals 117 to and from a first HDMI device (e.g., first HDMI device 102of FIG. 1). Second optical transceiver 124 is configured to bothtransmit and receive video signals 125, audio signals 126, and controlstatus signals 127 to and from a second HDMI device (e.g., second HDMIdevice 104 of FIG. 1).

Referring still to FIG. 2, the first HDMI coupling module 110 caninclude a first non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 118configured to store Extended Display Identification Data (EDID)indicative of the display capabilities of the first HDMI device (e.g.,first HDMI device 102 of FIG. 1). In some instances, such EDIDinformation stored in the first non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium 118 can be particularly valuable when the first HDMI device(e.g., first HDMI device 102 of FIG. 1) is configured to serve as a sinkdevice. The second HDMI coupling module 120 can include a secondnon-transitory computer-readable storage medium 128 configured to storeExtended Display Identification Data (EDID) indicative of the displaycapabilities of the second HDMI device (e.g., second HDMI device 104 ofFIG. 1). In some instances, such EDID information stored in the secondnon-transitory computer-readable storage medium 128 can be particularlyvaluable when the second HDMI device (e.g., second HDMI device 104 ofFIG. 1) is configured to serve as a sink device.

In some implementations, both first HDMI coupling module 110 and secondHDMI coupling module 120 can each include a respective CEC controlcircuit 119, 129, directed to relaying and coordinating consumerelectronics control (CEC) functionality between first HDMI device 102and second HDMI device 104. In some implementations, both first HDMIcoupling module 110 and second HDMI coupling module 120 can each includea respective HDMI Ethernet and Audio Return Channel (HEAC) circuit 131,132 directed to provide Ethernet compatible data networking betweenconnected devices (e.g., first HDMI device 102 and second HDMI device104 of FIG. 1) and an audio return channel in both directions. The HEACcircuits 131, 132 can also use a Hot-Plug Detect (HPD) line for signaltransmission. In still further implementations, both first HDMI couplingmodule 110 and second HDMI coupling module 120 can each include arespective HDP detect circuit 133, 134 to communicate confirmation ofpower signals received at one or more pins of the connectors (e.g.,first connector 112 and/or second connector 122 of FIG. 1) coupled tothe HDMI devices (e.g., first HDMI device 102 and second HDMI device 104of FIG. 1).

Referring still to FIG. 2, a plurality of channels can be provided overthe optical fiber cable(s) 130 to provide the depicted functionalitybetween first HDMI coupling module 110 and second HDMI coupling module120. For instance, communication between first HDMI coupling module 110and second HDMI coupling module 120 over optical fiber cable(s) 130 caninclude a plurality of bidirectional data communication channels 135configured to transmit and receive data between the first HDMI couplingmodule 110 and the second HDMI coupling module 120 and one or more clockchannels 136. In some examples, bidirectional data communicationchannels 135 and/or the one or more clock channels 136 can be configuredto relay data formatted using a Transition-Minimized DifferentialSignaling (TMDS) protocol. Additional channels for communication betweenfirst HDMI coupling module 110 and second HDMI coupling module 120 caninclude but are not limited to: a Display Data Channel (DDC) line forcommunicating between first non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium 118 and second non-transitory computer-readable storage medium128; a CEC line 138 for communication between first CEC control circuit119 and second CEC control circuit 129; a utility line 139 forcommunicating between first HEAC circuit 131 and second HEAC circuit132; and an HPD line for communicating between first HEAC circuit 131and first detect circuit 133 and second HEAC circuit 132 and seconddetect circuit 134. In some implementations, the HDMI coupling modules110 and 120 can be a hybrid implementation, where the video and audiodata is transmitted via one or more optical fibers, and other controldata (e.g., CEC, DDC, Utility, and/or HDP, etc.) is transmitted via oneor more electrical wires. In some other implementations, the HDMIcoupling modules 110 and 120 can be a full-optical implementation, wherethe video and audio data and the control data is transmitted via one ormore optical fibers.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, additional discussion of how optical fibercable(s) 130 can include HDMI channels between a first HDMI couplingmodule 110 and second HDMI coupling module 120 that are configured forbidirectional communication.

More particularly, FIG. 3 depicts aspects of a dual direction HDMIcommunication system, whereby optical fiber cable(s) 130 can include aplurality of bidirectional data communication channels 151-154 that areconfigured to both transmit and receive data in both directions betweena first optical transceiver 114 associated with the first HDMI couplingmodule 110 and a second optical transceiver 124 associated with thesecond HDMI coupling module 120. In some instances, bidirectional datacommunication channels 151-154 can include at least three opticalchannels configured to relay data formatted using a Transition-MinimizedDifferential Signaling (TMDS) protocol. In some examples, a firstbidirectional data communication channel 151, second bidirectional datacommunication channel 152, and third bidirectional data communicationchannel 153 of FIG. 3 can correspond to the data channels 135 providedover optical fiber cable(s) 130 of FIG. 2, while fourth bidirectionaldata communication channel 154 of FIG. 3 can correspond to the clockchannel 136 of FIG. 2.

In FIG. 4, optical fiber cable(s) 130 can include a first set of opticalfibers configured for single direction data transmission of datacommunication channels 161-164 from the first optical transceiver 114 offirst HDMI coupling module 110 to second optical transceiver 124 of thesecond HDMI coupling module 120, and a second set of optical fibersconfigured for single direction data transmission of data communicationchannels 165-168 from second optical transceiver 124 of second HDMIcoupling module 120 to the first optical transceiver 114 of the firstHDMI coupling module 110. In some implementations, data communicationchannels 161-164 over the first set of optical fibers can include atleast three optical channels configured to relay data and one or moreclock channels formatted using a Transition-Minimized DifferentialSignaling (TMDS) protocol. Similarly, data communication channels165-168 over the second set of optical fibers can include at least threeoptical channels configured to relay data and one or more clock channelsformatted using a Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS)protocol and one or more clock.

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of an example detachable HDMIcommunication system 200 according to example aspects of the presentdisclosure. Detachable HDMI communication system 200 is generallyconfigured to serve as an optical communication interface between firstand second HDMI devices (e.g., first HDMI device 102 and second HDMIdevice 104 of FIG. 1). Detachable HDMI communication system 200 caninclude a first HDMI coupling module 210, a second HDMI coupling module220, and cable(s) 230 a/230 b. First HDMI coupling module 210 of FIG. 5can include some or all of the features and functionality of first HDMIcoupling module 110 depicted in FIGS. 1-2 or can include differentfeatures and functionality. Second HDMI coupling module 220 of FIG. 5can include some or all of the features and functionality of second HDMIcoupling module 120 depicted in FIGS. 1-2 or can include differentfeatures and functionality. Cable(s) 230 a/230 b depicted in FIG. 5 caninclude some or all of the features and functionality of optical fibercable(s) 130 and electrical wires 150 depicted in FIGS. 1-2 or caninclude different features and functionality. Detachable HDMIcommunication system 200 can also include some or all of the datachannel configurations depicted in FIGS. 3-4 or can include differentchannel structure and function.

In some implementations, first HDMI coupling module 210 of FIG. 5 caninclude a first device connector 212 for coupling to a first HDMI device(e.g., first HDMI device 102 of FIG. 1) and a first cable connector 214for coupling to an optical fiber cable 230 a/230 b. Second HDMI couplingmodule 220 of FIG. 5 can include a second device connector 222 forcoupling to a second HDMI device (e.g., second HDMI device 104 ofFIG. 1) and a second cable connector 224 for coupling to an opticalfiber cable 230 a/230 b.

Referring still to FIG. 5, the detachable HDMI communication system 200can be configured where at least one of the first cable connector 214 orthe second cable connector 224 is detachable from the optical fibercable 230 a/230 b. In some implementations, the first cable connector214 is configured such that the first HDMI coupling module 210 isdetachable from the optical fiber cable 230 a/230 b and the second cableconnector 224 is configured such that the second HDMI coupling module220 is detachable from the optical fiber cable 230 a/230 b. Forinstance, first cable connector 214 and a first end connector 216 ofoptical fiber cable 230 a/230 b can provide opposite nominal genders ofconnector types. For instance, first cable connector 214 can provide aplug-type connector adapted for mated positioning relative to a firstend connector 216 of optical fiber cable 230 a/230 b that can provide asocket-type receptacle. Similarly, second cable connector 224 canprovide a plug-type connector adapted for mated positioning relative toa first end connector 226 of optical fiber cable 230 a/230 b that canprovide a socket-type receptacle. Other types of connections can be usedincluding, but not limited to, magnetic connections.

In some implementations, detachable HDMI communication system 200 caninclude different optical fiber cables for different applications. Forinstance, detachable HDMI communication system 200 can include a firstoptical fiber cable 230 a characterized by a first length, wherein thefirst optical fiber cable 230 a is configured for coupling to the firstcable connector 214 of the first HDMI coupling module 210 and to thesecond cable connector 224 of the second HDMI coupling module 220, thefirst optical fiber cable 230 a configured for use in a first opticaldata application. Detachable HDMI communication system 220 can alsoinclude a second optical fiber cable 230 b characterized by a secondlength that is different than the first length of first optical fibercable 230 a. The second optical fiber cable 230 b can be configured forcoupling to the first cable connector 214 of the first HDMI couplingmodule 210 and to the second cable connector 224 of the second HDMIcoupling module 220, the second optical fiber cable 230 b configured foruse in a second optical data application.

In some implementations, such as when the detachable HDMI communicationsystem 200 of FIG. 5 includes some or all of the features andfunctionality of HDMI communication system 100 of FIG. 1, the first HDMIcoupling module 210 can include a first optical transceiver (e.g., firstoptical transceiver 114 of FIG. 1) that is configured for use as eithera sink or source transceiver. Second optical coupling module 220 caninclude a second optical transceiver (e.g., second optical transceiver124) that is configured for use as either a sink or source transceiver.The optical fiber cable 230 a/230 b that is detachably coupled betweenthe first HDMI coupling module 210 and the second HDMI coupling module220 can be configured to provide data transmission over a plurality ofchannels between the first HDMI coupling module 210 and the second HDMIcoupling module 220. More particularly, the first optical transceiverwithin first HDMI coupling module 210 can be configured to both transmitoptical audio/video signals to the second optical transceiver withinsecond HDMI coupling module 220 via the optical fiber cable 230 a/230 band to receive optical audio/video signals from the second opticaltransceiver within second HDMI coupling module 220. The second opticaltransceiver within second HDMI coupling module 220 can be configured toboth transmit optical audio/video signals to the first opticaltransceiver within second HDMI coupling module 220 via the optical fibercable 230 a/230 b and to receive optical audio/video signals from thefirst optical transceiver within first HDMI coupling module 210.

In some implementations, as greater appreciated relative to FIG. 3,optical fiber cable 230 a/230 b detachably coupled between the firstHDMI coupling module 210 and the second HDMI coupling module 220 caninclude a plurality of bidirectional data communication channelsconfigured to either transmit or receive data between the first HDMIcoupling module 210 and the second HDMI coupling module 220. In someimplementations, as shown in FIG. 4, the optical fiber cable 230 a/230 bcan include a first set of data communication channels configured forsingle direction data transmission from the first HDMI coupling module210 to the second HDMI coupling module 220 and a second set of datacommunication channels configured for single direction data transmissionfrom the second HDMI coupling module 220 to the first HDMI couplingmodule 210.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 6, at least one of the firstHDMI coupling module 210 or the second HDMI coupling module 220 caninclude a touch sensor configured to toggle data transmission on andoff. The touch sensor can include, for example, a soft button on a userinterface, a hard button, a switch, a sensor configured for gesturerecognition, a remote-controlled switch, and/or other types of switchinterface.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a first example power saving HDMIcommunication system 300 according to example aspects of the presentdisclosure. HDMI communication system 300 is generally configured toserve as an optical communication interface between first and secondHDMI devices (e.g., first HDMI device 102 and second HDMI device 104 ofFIG. 1). HDMI communication system 300 can include a first HDMI couplingmodule 310, a second HDMI coupling module 320, a cable 330, and a touchsensor 340. The first HDMI coupling module 310 can include a firstdevice connector 312 for coupling to a first HDMI device (e.g., firstHDMI device 102 of FIG. 1). First HDMI coupling module 310 can alsoinclude a first HDMI coupling circuit including data relay circuitry(e.g., some or all of the circuitry depicted in first HDMI couplingmodule 110 of FIG. 2) and a first circuit housing 318 substantiallyencasing the first HDMI coupling circuit. Second HDMI coupling module320 can include a second device connector 322 for coupling to a secondHDMI device (e.g., second HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1). Second HDMIcoupling module 320 can also include a second HDMI coupling circuitincluding data relay circuitry (e.g., some or all of the circuitrydepicted in second HDMI coupling module 120 of FIG. 2) and a secondcircuit housing 328 substantially encasing the second HDMI couplingcircuit. The cable 330 coupled between the first HDMI coupling module310 and the second HDMI coupling module 320 can include some or all ofthe features and functionality of optical fiber cable(s) 130 andelectrical wires 150 depicted in FIGS. 1-2, and can be configured toprovide data transmission over a plurality of channels between the firstHDMI coupling module 310 and the second HDMI coupling module 320. Thetouch sensor 340 can be integrated into the first circuit housing 318and/or the second circuit housing 328. The touch sensor 340 can bepositioned on at least one of the first circuit housing 318 or thesecond circuit housing 328. Although FIG. 6 depicts touch sensor 340 onfirst circuit housing 318, touch sensor 340 could be additionally oralternatively positioned on second circuit housing 328. The touch sensor340 can include, for example, a soft button on a user interface, a hardbutton, a switch, a sensor configured for gesture recognition, and/orother types of switch interface. The touch sensor 340 can be configuredto toggle data transmission on and off over the plurality of channelsthrough optical fiber cable 330 between the first HDMI coupling module310 and the second HDMI coupling module 320. For example, the touchsensor 340 may be electrically coupled to a power management circuitryof the coupling module 310 to control the coupling module 310. When thedata transmission in HDMI communication system 300 is toggled on viatouch sensor 340, then data channels within optical fiber cable 330 areconfigured in an operational mode for active data relay. When the datatransmission in HDMI communication system 300 is toggled off via touchsensor 340, then data channels within optical fiber cable 330 areconfigured in an inactive or sleep mode with no active data transfer.

FIGS. 7-8 variously depict aspects of an example power-on system andmethod for an HDMI communication system according to example aspects ofthe present disclosure. The aspects described with reference to FIGS.7-8 can be incorporated with any of the HDMI communication systems 100,200, 300 depicted herein or with additional or alternative HDMIcommunication systems.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 7, HDMI communication system 400 isgenerally configured to serve as an optical communication interfacebetween first and second HDMI devices (e.g., first HDMI device 102 andsecond HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1). HDMI communication system 400 caninclude a first HDMI coupling module 410, a second HDMI coupling module420, and optical fiber cable(s) 430. The first HDMI coupling module 410can include a first device connector 412 for coupling to a first HDMIdevice (e.g., first HDMI device 102 of FIG. 1), an HDMI sourcetransceiver (e.g., first optical transceiver 114 of FIGS. 1-2)configured to relay data associated with the first HDMI device, and asource-side circuit 415 configured to receive a power-on signal from thefirst HDMI device and generate a first optical signal 413 for relay fromthe first HDMI coupling module 410 to the second HDMI coupling module420. The second HDMI coupling module 420 can include a second deviceconnector 422 for coupling to a second HDMI device (e.g., second HDMIdevice 104 of FIG. 1), an HDMI sink transceiver (e.g., second opticaltransceiver 124 of FIGS. 1-2) configured to relay data associated withthe second HDMI device, and a sink-side circuit 425 configured toreceive the first optical signal 413 from the source-side circuit 415and to generate a second optical signal 423 for relay from the secondHDMI coupling module 420 to the first HDMI coupling module 410. Opticalfiber cable(s) 430 coupled between the first HDMI coupling module 410and the second HDMI coupling module 420 can be configured to providedata transmission over a plurality of channels between the first HDMIcoupling module 410 and the second HDMI coupling module 420 upon receiptof the second optical signal 423 by the first HDMI coupling module 410.

Referring still to FIG. 7, the first optical signal 413 can beindicative of a power-on signal 416 (e.g., a positive voltage signal(e.g., a +5V signal)) received from the first HDMI device (e.g., firstHDMI device 102) as detected by one or more pins of the first deviceconnector 412. The power-on signal 416 can be received by thesource-side circuit 415 (e.g., a source protocol IC), which isconfigured to convert power-on signal 416 from an electrical signal to afirst optical signal 413 for transmission over optical fiber cable(s)430. In some implementations, the source-side circuit 415 of the firstHDMI coupling module 410 is configured to wait for a first settling timeto elapse between receiving the power-on signal 416 from the first HDMIdevice and relaying the first optical signal 413 from the first HDMIcoupling module 410 to the second HDMI coupling module 420.

The sink-side circuit 425 (e.g., a sink protocol IC) is configured toreceive the first optical signal 413 and convert it into an electricalsignal for relay to second HDMI device connected to second deviceconnector 422. This electrical signal from the sink-side circuit 425could be in the form of a power-on signal for a second HDMI device(e.g., a +5V signal for USB). In some implementations, the second HDMIcoupling module 420 can include a diode (e.g., one or more Schottkydiodes 429) to prevent reverse power from the power-on signal for thesecond HDMI device from flowing back into the sink-side circuit 425. Thesink-side circuit 425 in the second HDMI coupling module 420 can receivea hot plug detect (HDP) signal 426 from the second HDMI device, andtranslate the HDP signal 426 into the second optical signal 423. Thesecond optical signal 423 is indicative of the hot plug detect (HPD)signal 426 received from the second HDMI device as detected by one ormore pins of the second device connector 422. The source-side circuit415 in the first HDMI coupling module 410 is configured to receive thesecond optical signal 423 and initiate activation (e.g., a wake-upsignal) of a data transfer circuit for relaying data between the firstHDMI coupling module 410 and second HDMI coupling module 420. In someimplementations, the source-side circuit 415 of the first HDMI couplingmodule 410 is configured to wait for a second settling time to elapsebetween receiving the second optical signal 423 and relaying databetween the HDMI source transceiver in the first HDMI coupling module410 and the HDMI sink transceiver in the second HDMI coupling module420.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart of an example power-on method 500 for anHDMI communication system (e.g., HDMI communication system 400)according to example aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 depictselements performed in a particular order for purposes of illustrationand discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using thedisclosures provided herein, will understand that the elements of any ofthe methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded,omitted, combined, and/or modified in various ways without deviatingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is described withreference to elements/terms described with respect to other systems andfigures for exemplary illustrated purposes and is not meant to belimiting. One or more portions of method 500 can be performedadditionally, or alternatively, by other systems.

At 505, the method 500 can include receiving, by an HDMI sourcetransceiver of a first HDMI coupling module (e.g., first HDMI couplingmodule 410 of FIG. 7), a power-on signal (e.g., power-on signal 416 ofFIG. 7) from a first HDMI device coupled to the first HDMI couplingmodule. In some implementations, the power-on signal received at 505 canbe applied to a source-side circuit (e.g., source-side circuit 415 ofFIG. 7) in the first HDMI coupling module (e.g., first HDMI couplingmodule 410 of FIG. 7). The source-side circuit in the first HDMIcoupling module can then be used to generate the first optical signal(e.g., first optical signal 413 of FIG. 7).

At 510, the method 500 can include relaying, by the HDMI sourcetransceiver of first HDMI coupling module (e.g., first HDMI couplingmodule 410 of FIG. 7), a first optical signal (e.g., first opticalsignal 413 of FIG. 7) to a second HDMI coupling module (e.g., secondHDMI coupling module 420 of FIG. 7) coupled to a second HDMI device. Thefirst optical signal relayed at 510 can be indicative of the power-onsignal received at 505 from the first HDMI device and detected by one ormore pins of a connector between the first HDMI coupling module and thefirst HDMI device. In some implementations, the method 500 can includean optional step of waiting for a first settling time to elapse betweenreceiving the power-on signal from the first HDMI device at 505 andrelaying the first optical signal from the first HDMI coupling module tothe second HDMI coupling module at 510.

At 515, the method 500 can include receiving the first optical signal(e.g., first optical signal 413 of FIG. 7) at a sink-side circuit (e.g.,sink-side circuit 425 of FIG. 7) in the second HDMI coupling module(e.g., second HDMI coupling module 420 of FIG. 7) and using thesink-side circuit (e.g., sink-side circuit 425) to translate the firstoptical signal (e.g., first optical signal 413 of FIG. 7) into apower-on signal for the second HDMI device.

At 520, the method can include receiving, by a sink-side circuit (e.g.,sink-side circuit 425 of FIG. 7), a hot plug detect (HDP) signal (e.g.,HDP signal 426 of FIG. 7) from the second HDMI device, and using thesink-side circuit (e.g., sink-side circuit 425 of FIG. 7) to translatethe HDP signal (e.g., HDP signal 426 of FIG. 7) into the second opticalsignal (e.g., second optical signal 423 of FIG. 7).

At 525, the method 500 can include relaying, by the second HDMI couplingmodule (e.g., second HDMI coupling module 420 of FIG. 7), in response toreceipt of the first optical signal (e.g., first optical signal 413 ofFIG. 7), a second optical signal (e.g., second optical signal 423 ofFIG. 7) to the first HDMI coupling module (e.g., first HDMI couplingmodule 410 of FIG. 7). The second optical signal relayed at 525 can beindicative of the hot plug detect (HPD) signal received from the secondHDMI device at 520.

At 530, the method 500 can include receiving, by an HDMI sourcetransceiver in a first HDMI coupling module (e.g., first HDMI couplingmodule 410 of FIG. 7), the second optical signal (e.g., second opticalsignal 423 of FIG. 7) and initiating activation, by the first HDMIcoupling module (e.g., first HDMI coupling module 410 of FIG. 7), inresponse to receipt of the second optical signal (e.g., second opticalsignal 423 of FIG. 7), a data transfer circuit for relaying data betweenthe first HDMI coupling module (e.g., first HDMI coupling module 410 ofFIG. 7) and the second HDMI coupling module (e.g., second HDMI couplingmodule 420 of FIG. 7).

At 535, the method 500 can include relaying, by first HDMI couplingmodule (e.g., first HDMI coupling module 410 of FIG. 7), data from thefirst HDMI device to the second HDMI coupling module (e.g., second HDMIcoupling module 420 of FIG. 7) for receipt at the second HDMI device. Insome implementations, method 500 can include an optional step of waitingfor a second settling time to elapse between receiving the secondoptical signal at 530 and relaying data at 535 between an HDMI sourcetransceiver in the first HDMI coupling module and an HDMI sinktransceiver in the second HDMI coupling module.

FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of an example power saving HDMIcommunication system 600 according to example aspects of the presentdisclosure. HDMI communication system 600 is generally configured toserve as an optical communication interface between first and secondHDMI devices (e.g., first HDMI device 102 and second HDMI device 104 ofFIG. 1). Power saving HDMI communication system 600 can include a firstHDMI coupling module 610, a second HDMI coupling module 620, and a cable630. The first HDMI coupling module 610 can include a first deviceconnector 612 for coupling to a first HDMI device (e.g., first HDMIdevice 102 of FIG. 1) and a data transmitter 614 for transmitting datareceived from the first HDMI device. In some implementations, datatransmitter 614 can be embodied by first optical transceiver (e.g.,first optical transceiver 114 of FIGS. 1-2). The second HDMI couplingmodule 620 can include a second device connector 622 for coupling to asecond HDMI device (e.g., second HDMI device 104 of FIG. 1) and a datareceiver 624 for receiving data designated for receipt by the secondHDMI device. In some implementations, data receiver 624 can be embodiedby second optical transceiver (e.g., second optical transceiver 124 ofFIGS. 1-2). The optical fiber cable 630 coupled between the first HDMIcoupling module 610 and the second HDMI coupling module 620 can includesome or all of the features and functionality of optical fiber cable(s)130 and electrical wires 150 depicted in FIGS. 1-2, and can beconfigured to provide data transmission over a plurality of channelsbetween the first HDMI coupling module 610 and the second HDMI couplingmodule 620.

Referring still to FIG. 9, one or more of channels of the plurality ofchannels provided by optical fiber cable 630 can be operated in a powersaving mode when there is no data to transmit between the first HDMIcoupling module 610 and the second HDMI coupling module 620. In oneexample embodiment, first HDMI coupling module 610 can include a powersaving circuit 616 coupled to the data transmitter 614 that isconfigured to provide power saving functionality at the transmitter sideof HDMI communication system 600. In one implementation, power savingcircuit 616 can include a signal detector configured to receive aplurality of data signal lines from a first HDMI device. Power savingcircuit 616 can be further configured to generate a control signal tooperate one or more channels of the plurality of channels over opticalfiber cable 630 in a power saving mode when one or more data signallines of the plurality of data signal lines from the first HDMI deviceindicate that no data is available. In another implementation, the firstHDMI coupling module 620 can be configured to monitor the presence ofdata on a plurality of data signal lines from a first HDMI device. Whenno data has been present on one or more data signal lines of theplurality of data signal lines for a threshold amount of time, one ormore channels provided over optical fiber cable 630 associated with theone or more data signal lines can be configured to operate in a powersaving mode controlled by the power saving circuit 616.

In some implementations, the power saving circuit 616 can be coupled toa micro-controller implemented in a HDMI coupling module (e.g., HDMIcoupling module 610). When no data has been present on one or more datasignal lines of the plurality of data signal lines for a thresholdamount of time, the power saving circuit 616 can send a control signalto the micro-controller to enter into a power saving mode. When data ispresent on one or more data signal lines of the plurality of data signallines for a threshold amount of time, the power saving circuit 616 cansend a control signal to the micro-controller to exit the power savingmode.

In some implementations, a HDMI coupling module may be configured tooperate in a mode that sends data through a subset of data channels. Forexample, under fixed rate link (FRL) mode, a HDMI coupling module maysend data through three channels if the FRL link rate is under athreshold (e.g., 6 Gbps). The HDMI coupling module may send data throughfour channels if the FRL link rate is under a threshold. The powersaving circuit 616 may be configured to control one of the four channelsto enter a power saving mode is the FRL link rate is under thethreshold.

In one example embodiment, second HDMI coupling module 620 can include apower saving circuit 626 coupled to the data receiver 624 that isconfigured to provide power saving functionality at the receiver side ofHDMI communication system 600. In one implementation, power savingcircuit 626 of second HDMI coupling module 620 can be configured tomonitor a given channel of the plurality of channels provided overoptical fiber cable 630 between the first HDMI coupling module 610 andthe second HDMI coupling module 620, the given channel designated in anoperational mode for traffic detection. Operation of the remainingchannels of the plurality of channels provided over optical fiber cable630 between the first HDMI coupling module 610 and second HDMI couplingmodule 620 can be initiated in a power saving mode when no data trafficis detected on the given channel. When data traffic is detected on thegiven channel, all data channels provided over optical fiber cable 630are activated in an operational mode for data transfer.

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of additional aspects of the examplepower saving HDMI communication system 600 of FIG. 9 according toexample aspects of the present disclosure. More particularly, FIG. 10depicts different channels provided over the optical fiber cable 630 ofFIG. 9 between data transmitter 614 of first HDMI coupling module 610and data receiver 624 of second HDMI coupling module 620. In oneexample, optical fiber cable 630 can provide a plurality of datachannels 631-634 and a plurality of utility channels 635. A givenchannel (e.g., data channel 631) of the plurality of data channels631-634 can be designated for use in an operational mode for trafficdetection. When no data traffic is detected on the given channel 631,operation of the remaining channels 632-634 of the plurality of channels631-634 can be initiated in a power saving mode when no data traffic isdetected on the given channel. The given channel 631 can remain activeto monitor traffic detection. When data traffic is detected on the givenchannel 631, all data channels 631-634 provided over optical fiber cable630 can be activated in an operational mode for data transfer.

FIG. 11 illustrates an implementation of an optical communicationinterface 1100. The optical communication interface 1100 can includemeans for communicating and receiving signals. For example, the opticalcommunication interface 1100 can include transceivers 1102 and 1104(e.g., the first HDMI coupling module 110 and the second HDMI couplingmodule 120 in reference to FIG. 1). The optical communication interfacecan further include means for connecting to various equipment. Forexample, the optical communication interface 1100 can include connectors1150 and 1160 (e.g., disposed on opposite ends). The opticalcommunication interface 1100 can further include means for signalpropagation. For example, the optical communication interface 1100 caninclude a cable 1180. As further described herein, the cable can includeone or more optical fibers including, for example, a first optical fiber(e.g., optical fiber(s) 130 in reference to FIG. 1). In someimplementations, the cable can also include one or more electricalcables (e.g., electrical cable(s) 150 in reference to FIG. 1). Accordingto additional example aspects of the present disclosure, the opticalcommunication interface 1100 (e.g., the cable 1180) can further includea light-emitting element 1190 (depicted in FIG. 12). For example, thelight emitting element 1190 can partially or fully surround the cable1180 (e.g., the first optical fiber). In some implementations, the cable1180 can be a coiled cable or an uncoiled cable.

In various implementations, the optical communication interface 1100 canbe a HDMI, USB, DP, DVI, VGA, or other type of optical communicationinterface. In some implementations, the connectors 1150 and 1160 can becoupled to various devices, such as source devices (e.g., Blu-Ray DiscPlayer, laptop, personal computer, game console, etc.) and/or sinkdevices (e.g., TV, display monitor, etc.)

A light (denoted LT) emitted by the light-emitting element 1190 cancorrespond to a data information. For example, the light LT emitted bythe light-emitting element 1190 can be varied according to datainformation communicated over the cable 1180. The data information canbe, for example, one or more characteristics associated with the firsttransceiver or the second transceiver.

For example, in some implementations, the data information (e.g., theone or more characteristics associated with the first transceiver or thesecond transceiver) can be a data transmitting rate, a clock rate, animage resolution, a power consumption, a temperature, a vibration level,a content of the transmitting data/associated with input data or a firstoptical signal, or other types of data information processed by thetransceivers 1102 and 1104.

For example, in some implementations, a frequency of the light LT (e.g.,pulses of light over a time period) can be varied according to the datainformation. For example, a first resolution data information (e.g.,lower resolution) can have a first frequency (e.g., 2 pulses per second)while a second resolution data information (e.g., higher resolution) canhave a second frequency (e.g., 4 pulses per second). Other frequenciescan similarly be used to communicate various data information to a user.

In some implementations, a color of the light LT emitted by thelight-emitting element 1190 can be varied according to the datainformation. For example, a temperature data information (e.g.,temperature of one or more components of the optical communicationinterface 1100, an ambient temperature, etc.) can be associated with afirst color (e.g., blue) at a first temperature reading (e.g., 50 F),and a second temperature data information can be associated with asecond color (e.g., red) at a second temperature data reading (e.g., 90F). Other colors can similarly be used to communicate various datainformation to a user. Such lighting information may be used to identifywhether a system or an optical communication interface is operatingunder normal condition or may be overheated.

In some implementations, a brightness (e.g., luminous intensity) of thelight LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190 can be varied. Forexample, a power consumption data information (e.g., charging rate orcharging power) can be associated with a first brightness (e.g., 10lumens) at a first power consumption level (e.g., a low powerconsumption level) and a second power consumption data information(e.g., a high power consumption level) can be associated with a secondbrightness (e.g., 20 lumens) at a second power consumption level. Otherbrightness levels can similarly be used to communicate various datainformation to a user.

In some implementations, an optical communication interface (e.g., alight-control circuit) can be configured to control the light-emittingelement 1190 based at least in part on a comparison of the datainformation (e.g., the one or more characteristics) to a threshold. Forexample, a number of lights LT emitted by the light-emitting element1190 can be varied according to the data information (e.g., the one ormore characteristics). For example, a first media type (e.g., audiofile) can be associated with a first number of lights (e.g., a singlelight) whereas a second media type (e.g., audio-visual file) can beassociated with a second number of lights (e.g., two lights). Forexample, the light-emitting element 1190 can include a plurality oflight sources (e.g., LEDs, optical fibers, etc.) which can beselectively activated to increase or decrease the number of lights LTemitted by the light-emitting element 1190. Other numbers of light LTcan similarly be used to communicate various data information to a user.

In some implementations, the light LT emitted by the light-emittingelement 1190 can be a first type of light (e.g., blinking, sparkling,fading, wavering, etc.) when a data information is at a first level(e.g., below a threshold) and the light LT emitted by the light-emittingelement 1190 can be a second type of light (e.g., constant) when thedata information is above the threshold. For example, a powerconsumption, clock rate, resolution, vibration level, etc. can havevarious thresholds and corresponding lights. Similarly, various types ofdata information (e.g., relevant to gaming information, audio media, AVmedia, etc.) can have associated types of lights LT.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view of an example cable1180 according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted.The cable 1180 can be, for example, a cable 1180 as depicted in FIG. 11.As shown, the cable 180 includes a light-emitting element 1190 and aplurality of optical fibers F1, F2, F3, and F4. In variousimplementations, the cable 1180 can include any number of fibers (e.g.,a single fiber, two fibers, etc.). In some implementations, the cable1180 may include one or more electrical wires (e.g., copper wires) inaddition to optical fibers. For example, electrical wires can be used totransmit information that requires a lower data rate such as metadataassociated with the source and/or sink devices. Further, as shown, thelight-emitting element 1190 can partially or fully surround the cable180, thereby covering the optical fibers F1-F4.

Each of the optical fibers F1-F4 can be configured to transmit one ormore optical signals. For example, in some implementations, the opticalsignals can be generated by transceivers (e.g., 1102, 1104, etc.)

According to example aspects of the present disclosure, thelight-emitting element 1190 can be configured to emit light LTcorresponding to a data information. For example, the data informationcan be transmitted via the one or more optical fibers F1-F4. Forexample, in some implementations, the data information (e.g., one ormore characteristics associated with a first transceiver or a secondtransceiver) can include a data transmitting rate, a clock rate, animage resolution, a power consumption, a temperature, a vibration level,and/or a content associated with an input data. In some implementations,the data information (e.g., one or more characteristics) can include avibration level communicated from a vibration sensor, as describedherein.

The light-emitting element 1190 can include various types of lights. Forexample, in some implementations, the light emitting element 1190 caninclude one or more light-emitting strands wound around the opticalfibers F1-F4. In some implementations, the light-emitting element 1190can include portions which emit light (e.g., translucent portions) andportions which do not emit light (e.g., blacked-out portions). In someimplementations, the light emitting element can include LEDs, laserdiodes, lamps, and/or other light-emitting elements.

In some implementations, the light LT emitted from the light-emittingelement 190 can include various types of light (e.g., colors,frequencies, brightness, number of lights, etc.). For example, the typesof lights and/or the attributes of the light emitted by thelight-emitting element 1190 can be controlled according to the datainformation transmitted over the optical fibers F1-F4.

For example, referring now to FIG. 13, an example optical communicationinterface 1100 according to example aspects of the present disclosure isdepicted. The optical communication interface 1100 can include means forconverting, transmitting, and receiving signals. For example, as shown,transceivers 1102 and 1104 are positioned at opposite ends of cable1180. The optical communication interface can further include means forconnecting to various devices. For example, connectors 1150/1160 can beconfigured to connect the optical communication interface 1100 tovarious sources and sinks as described herein. The optical communicationinterface can further include means for emitting light LT. For example,light-emitting element 1190 can be configured to emit light LT accordingto a data information (e.g., based at least in part upon the datainformation). As shown, first transceiver 1102 can include a transmitter1021, a receiver 1022, and a light-control circuit 1023. Similarly,transceiver 1104 can include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042.

The transmitter 1021 can be configured to transmit an input dataprovided via the connector 1150 to the receiver 1042. For example, insome implementations, the data input into the connector 1150 can includeelectrical signals which can be converted into optical signals andtransmitted via one or more optical fibers (e.g., F1, F2).

The receiver 1042 can be configured to receive the optical signalstransmitted on one or more optical fibers (e.g., F1, F2), and convertthe received optical signals into electrical signals. The convertedelectrical signals can then be output to the connector 1160, such as tobe provided to a sink device.

The transmitter 1041 can be configured to transmit data input into theconnector 1160 to the receiver 1022. For example, data input to theconnector 1160 can be electrical signals and can be converted intooptical signals and transmitted via one or more optical fibers (e.g.,F3, F4).

The receiver 1022 can be configured to receive the optical signalstransmitted on one or more optical fibers (e.g., F3, F4), and convertthe received optical signals into electrical signals. The convertedelectrical signals can be output to the connector 1150, such as to asource device.

The optical communication interface 1100 can further include means forcontrolling a light LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190. Forexample, as shown in the example optical communication interface 1100depicted in FIG. 13, the transceiver 1102 can further include alight-control circuit 1023. The light-control circuit 1023 can beconfigured to generate a light-control signal C1 to control the light LTaccording to a data information processed by the transmitter 1021. Forexample, the input data provided to the connector 1150 can be convertedfrom an electrical signal to an optical signal by the transmitter 1021,and the data information corresponding to the input data can be providedto the light-control circuit 1023. The light-control circuit 1023 cancontrol the light LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190according to the data information.

For example, the data information can be a data transmitting rate (e.g.,a rate of the data transmitted from the transmitter 1021 over fibers F1,F2), a clock rate (e.g., a frequency of a clock cycle), an imageresolution (e.g. a number of pixels of a communicated image), a powerconsumption (e.g., a power consumption of a sink device, a sourcedevice, etc.), a temperature (e.g., an operating temperature), avibration level (e.g., from a vibration sensor as describe herein),and/or a content of the transmitting data (e.g., a type of datatransmitted, such as audio, gaming, A/V media, etc.).

In some implementations, the light-control circuit 1023 can beconfigured to control the lighting modes of the light-emitting element1190, such as the lighting color, frequency, brightness, type of light,a number of lights, and/or other attributes of the light LT as describedherein. For example, the light LT emitted by the light-emitting element1190 can be controlled by the light-control circuit 1023 according tothe data information of one or more signals communicated over the fibers(e.g., F1-F4).

The light-control circuit 1023 can be implemented by any suitable means,such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digitalsignal processing (DSP) processor, general-purpose processor, processorcore, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, and can be oneprocessor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected.In some implementations, the light-control circuit 1023 can include oneor more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM,ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices,etc., and combinations thereof.

In this way, the light LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190 canbe controlled to provide visual information to a user. For example, thelight LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190 can be controlled bythe light-control circuit 1023 to provide a visual indication of one ormore attributes of the data information being communicated over thecable 1180. This can allow for a user to readily ascertain an operatingstatus of the source device, sink device, and/or the opticalcommunication interface 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 14, an example optical communication interface1100 according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted.Similar to the optical communication interface 1100 depicted in FIG. 13,the transceivers 1102 and 1104 are positioned at opposite ends of cable1180. Connectors 1150/1160 can be configured to connect the opticalcommunication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as describedherein. Light-emitting element 1190 can be configured to emit light LTaccording to a data information. As shown, transceiver 1102 can includea transmitter 1021 and a receiver 1022. Similarly, transceiver 1104 caninclude a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042. However, as shown inFIG. 14, a light-control circuit 1043 is included in transceiver 1104.The light-control circuit 11043 can operate essentially the same as thelight-control circuit 1023 depicted in FIG. 13.

For example, transmitter 1021 can be configured to transmit an inputdata provided via the connector 1150 to the receiver 1042. For example,the data input into the connector 1150 can include electrical signalswhich can be converted into optical signals and transmitted via one ormore optical fibers (e.g., F1, F2).

The receiver 1042 can be configured to receive the optical signalstransmitted on one or more optical fibers (e.g., F1, F2) and convert thereceived optical signals into electrical signals. The convertedelectrical signals can then be output to the connector 1160.

The transmitter 1041 can be configured to transmit data input into theconnector 1160 to the receiver 1022. For example, data input to theconnector 1160 can be electrical signals and can be converted intooptical signals and transmitted via one or more optical fibers (e.g.,F3, F4).

The receiver 1022 can be configured to receive the optical signalstransmitted on one or more optical fibers (e.g., F3, F4), and convertthe received optical signals into electrical signals. The convertedelectrical signals can be output to the connector 1150.

The light-control circuit 1043 can be configured to generate alight-control signal C1 to control the light LT according to a datainformation processed by the receiver 1042. For example, the opticalsignals received by receiver 1042 over fibers F1 and F2 can be convertedby the receiver 1042 into electrical signals and the data informationassociated with the electrical signals can be provided to thelight-control circuit 1043.

For example, the data information can be a data transmitting rate (e.g.,a rate of the data received by the receiver 1042 over fibers F1, F2), aclock rate (e.g., a frequency of a clock cycle), an image resolution(e.g. a number of pixels of a communicated image), a power consumption(e.g., a power consumption of a sink device, a source device, etc.), atemperature (e.g., an operating temperature), a vibration level (e.g.,from a vibration sensor as describe herein), and/or a content of thetransmitting data (e.g., a type of data transmitted).

In some implementations, the light-control circuit 1043 can beconfigured to control the lighting modes of the light-emitting element1190, such as the lighting color, frequency, brightness, type of light,a number of lights, and/or other attributes of the light LT as describedherein. For example, the light LT emitted by the light-emitting element1190 can be controlled by the light-control circuit 1043 according tothe data information of one or more signals communicated over the fibers(e.g., F1-F4).

The light-control circuit 1043 can be implemented by any suitable means,such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digitalsignal processing (DSP) processor, general-purpose processor, processorcore, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, and can be oneprocessor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected.In some implementations, the light-control circuit 1023 can include oneor more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM,ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices,etc., and combinations thereof.

In this way, the light LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190 canbe controlled to provide visual information to a user. For example, thelight LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190 can be controlled bythe light-control circuit 1043 to provide a visual indication of one ormore attributes of the data information being communicated over thecable 1180. This can allow for a user to readily ascertain an operatingstatus of the source device, sink device, and/or the opticalcommunication interface 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an optical communication interface 1100according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. Asshown, the optical communication interface 1100 can include transceivers1102 and 1104 situated on opposite ends of cable 1180. Connectors1150/1160 can be configured to connect the optical communicationinterface 1100 to various sources and sinks as described herein. Asshown, transceiver 1102 can include a transmitter 1021, and a receiver1022. Similarly, transceiver 1104 can include a transmitter 1041 and areceiver 1042. The receiver 1042 can be configured to receive theoptical signals transmitted on one or more optical fibers (e.g., F1,F2), and convert the received optical signals into electrical signals.The converted electrical signals can then be output to the connector1160. The transmitter 1041 can be configured to transmit data input intothe connector 1160 to the receiver 1022. For example, data input to theconnector 1160 can be electrical signals and can be converted intooptical signals and transmitted via one or more optical fibers (e.g.,F3, F4).

According to additional aspects of the present disclosure, the opticalcommunication interface 1100 can further include a fiber P1 configuredto provide power to the receiver 1042 by the transmitter 1021. Forexample, fiber P1 can be an optical fiber, and optical signalstransmitted by the transmitter 1021 through the fiber P1 can beconverted to an electrical signal which can be used to power thereceiver 1042. The receiver 1042 can include means for converting theoptical signal to an electrical signal. For example, in someimplementations, the receiver 1042 can include a suitable optical toelectrical converting semiconductor, such as a PV cell, etc. Anadvantage provided by such a configuration is the ability to eliminatethe need for an additional power pin connected to a power source througha sink device (e.g., a TV or monitor).

In some implementations, the optical signal transmitted on the fiber P1can be a high power signal. The power of the optical signal transmittedon the fiber P1 can be higher than the power of the optical signalstransmitted on the fibers F1-F4. In some implementations, when the powerlevel is less than a threshold (e.g., 5% of total power) or a conditionindicates that one or more of fibers F1-F4 or cable 1180 may be damaged,the optical signal transmitted on fiber P1 can be stopped (e.g.,controlled by the transmitter 1021). This can improve the safety of theoptical communication interface 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 16, an optical communication interface 1100according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted.Similar to FIG. 15, the optical communication interface 1100 can includetransceivers 1102 and 1104 situated on opposite ends of cable 1180.Connectors 1150/1160 can be configured to connect the opticalcommunication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as describedherein. As shown, transceiver 1102 can include a transmitter 1021, and areceiver 1022. Similarly, transceiver 1104 can include a transmitter1041 and a receiver 1042. The receiver 1042 can be configured to receivethe optical signals transmitted on one or more optical fibers (e.g., F1,F2), and convert the received optical signals into electrical signals.The converted electrical signals can then be output to the connector1160. The transmitter 1041 can be configured to transmit data input intothe connector 1160 to the receiver 1022. For example, data input to theconnector 1160 can be electrical signals and can be converted intooptical signals and transmitted via one or more optical fibers (e.g.,F3, F4). The optical communication interface 1100 can further include afiber P1 configured to provide power to the receiver 1042 by thetransmitter 1021.

Further, as shown, the optical communication interface 1100 can includea light-control circuit 1023 in the transceiver 1102, similar to thelight-control circuit 1023 depicted in FIG. 13. For example, thelight-control circuit 1023 can control a light LT emitted from alight-emitting element 1190, as disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 17, an optical communication interface 1100according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted.Similar to FIG. 15, the optical communication interface 1100 can includetransceivers 1102 and 1104 situated on opposite ends of cable 1180.Connectors 1150/1160 can be configured to connect the opticalcommunication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as describedherein. As shown, transceiver 1102 can include a transmitter 1021, and areceiver 1022. Similarly, transceiver 1104 can include a transmitter1041 and a receiver 1042. The receiver 1042 can be configured to receivethe optical signals transmitted on one or more optical fibers (e.g., F1,F2), and convert the received optical signals into electrical signals.The converted electrical signals can then be output to the connector1160. The transmitter 1041 can be configured to transmit data input intothe connector 1160 to the receiver 1022. For example, data input to theconnector 1160 can be electrical signals and can be converted intooptical signals and transmitted via one or more optical fibers (e.g.,F3, F4). The optical communication interface 1100 can further include afiber P1 configured to provide power to the receiver 1042 by thetransmitter 1021.

Further, as shown, the optical communication interface 1100 can includea light-control circuit 1043 in the transceiver 1104, similar to thelight-control circuit 1043 depicted in FIG. 14. For example, thelight-control circuit 1043 can control a light LT emitted from alight-emitting element 1190, as disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 18, an optical communication interface 1100according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted.Similar to FIG. 16, the optical communication interface 1100 can includetransceivers 1102 and 1104 situated on opposite ends of cable 1180.Connectors 1150/1160 can be configured to connect the opticalcommunication interface 1100 to various sources and sinks as describedherein. As shown, transceiver 1102 can include a transmitter 1021, and areceiver 1022. Similarly, transceiver 1104 can include a transmitter1041 and a receiver 1042. The receiver 1042 can be configured to receivethe optical signals transmitted on one or more optical fibers (e.g., F1,F2), and convert the received optical signals into electrical signals.The converted electrical signals can then be output to the connector1160. The transmitter 1041 can be configured to transmit data input intothe connector 1160 to the receiver 1022. For example, data input to theconnector 1160 can be electrical signals and can be converted intooptical signals and transmitted via one or more optical fibers (e.g.,F3, F4). The optical communication interface 1100 can further include afiber P1 configured to provide power to the receiver 1042 by thetransmitter 1021.

Additionally, the optical communication interface 1100 can include alight-control circuit 1023 in the transceiver 1102, similar to thelight-control circuit 1023 depicted in FIGS. 13 and 16. For example, thelight-control circuit 1023 can control a light LT emitted from alight-emitting element 1190, as disclosed herein.

According to additional example aspects of the present disclosure, insome implementations the optical communication interface 1100 caninclude a means for determining a vibration level. For example, theoptical communication interface 1100 can include a vibration sensor1024. In some implementations, the vibration sensor 1024 can be includedin or otherwise be a part of a transceiver 1102. In someimplementations, the vibration sensor 1024 can be a G-sensor or aGYRO-sensor. In some implementations, the vibration sensor 1024 can beconfigured to use Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) technology andpackaging. In some implementations, the vibration sensor 1024 can beconfigured to transmit a data information about a vibration level to thelight-control circuit 1023. For example, the vibration level cancorrespond to a vibration detected by the vibration sensor 1024 and/or avibration associated with a connected device (e.g., a source deviceconnected to connector 1150). The light-control circuit 1023 can beconfigured to control a light LT according to the data information(e.g., the vibration level). As examples, the light LT emitted by thelight-emitting element 1190 can pulse at a vibration frequency or have abrightness associated with a vibration level (e.g., various vibrationlevel thresholds can correspond to brightness levels).

In some implementations, the vibration sensor 1024 can be positioned orotherwise included in a transceiver 1104. For example, the transceiver1104 can include a vibration sensor 1024 and a light-control circuit1043 as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 17. Further, the vibration level cancorrespond to a vibration detected by the vibration sensor 1024 and/or avibration associated with a connected device (e.g., a sink deviceconnected to connector 1160).

Referring now to FIG. 19, an optical communication interface 1100according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. Theoptical communication interface 1100 can be, for example, a HDMIcommunication interface which uses optical communication.

As shown, the optical communication interface 1100 can includetransceivers 1102 and 1104 positioned at opposite ends of cable 1180.HDMI Connector 1150 can be configured to connect the HDMI sourcetransceiver 1102 to HDMI source 1120. Similarly, HDMI Connector 1160 canbe configured to connect the HDMI sink transceiver 1104 to HDMI sink1130.

HDMI source transceiver 1102 can include audio/visual (A/V) transceiver1106 and sideband transceiver 1110. Similarly, HDMI sink transceiver1112 can include A/V transceiver 1108 and sideband transceiver 1112. Thetransceivers 1102 and 1104 can communicate via fibers in the cable 1180.For example, optical signals can be communicated through Fibers F1-F4and A/V signals can be communicated through A/V Fibers. The A/V fiberscan be optical A/V fibers which can communicate signals between A/Vtransceiver 1106 and A/V transceiver 1108. The optical signalscommunicated from sideband transceiver 1110 to sideband transceiver 1112via fibers F1-F4 can be optical sideband signals.

In some implementations, Audio Return Channel (ARC) or Enhanced AudioReturn Channel (eARC) signals can be transmitted by fiber F3. In someimplementations, data information can be transmitted by the fibers F1and F4. In some implementations, sideband transceiver 1110 can include atransmitter 1021, a receiver 1022, and a light-control circuit 1023, asdepicted in FIGS. 13 and 16. Similar to the light-control circuits 1023depicted in FIGS. 13 and 16, the light-control circuit 1023 can generatea light-control signal C1 to control the light LT of the cable 1180according to a data information processed by the transmitter 1021. Forexample, the data information can be a data transmitting rate (e.g., arate of the data transmitted from the transmitter 11021 over fibers F1,F3, F4, etc.), a clock rate (e.g., a frequency of a clock cycle), animage resolution (e.g. a number of pixels of a communicated image), apower consumption (e.g., a power consumption of a sink device, a sourcedevice, etc.), a temperature (e.g., an operating temperature), avibration level (e.g., from a vibration sensor as describe herein),and/or a content of the transmitting data (e.g., a type of datatransmitted).

In some implementations, the light-control circuit 1023 can beconfigured to control the lighting modes of the light-emitting element1190, such as the lighting color, frequency, brightness, type of light,a number of lights, and/or other attributes of the light LT as describedherein. For example, the light LT emitted by the light-emitting element1190 can be controlled by the light-control circuit 1023 according tothe data information of one or more signals communicated over the fibers(e.g., F1-F4).

The light-control circuit 1023 can be implemented by any suitable means,such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digitalsignal processing (DSP) processor, general-purpose processor, processorcore, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, and can be oneprocessor or a plurality of processors that are operatively connected.In some implementations, the light-control circuit 1023 can include oneor more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM,ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices,etc., and combinations thereof.

In this way, the light LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190 canbe controlled to provide visual information to a user. For example, thelight LT emitted by the light-emitting element 1190 can be controlled bythe light-control circuit 1023 to provide a visual indication of one ormore attributes of the data information being communicated over thecable 1180. This can allow for a user to readily ascertain an operatingstatus of the source device, sink device, and/or the opticalcommunication interface 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 20, an optical communication interface 1100according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. Theoptical communication interface 1100 can be, for example, a HDMIcommunication interface which uses optical communication.

As shown, the optical communication interface 1100 can includetransceivers 1102 and 1104 positioned at opposite ends of cable 1180.HDMI Connector 1150 can be configured to connect the HDMI sourcetransceiver 1102 to HDMI source 1120. Similarly, HDMI Connector 1160 canbe configured to connect the HDMI sink transceiver 1104 to HDMI sink1130.

HDMI source transceiver 1102 can include audio/visual (A/V) transceiver1106 and sideband transceiver 1110. Similarly, HDMI sink transceiver1112 can include A/V transceiver 1108 and sideband transceiver 1112. Thetransceivers 1102 and 1104 can communicate via fibers in the cable 1180.For example, optical signals can be communicated through Fibers F1-F4and A/V signals can be communicated through A/V Fibers. The A/V fiberscan be optical A/V fibers which can communicate signals between A/Vtransceiver 1106 and A/V transceiver 1108. The optical signalscommunicated from sideband transceiver 1110 to sideband transceiver 1112via fibers F1-F4 can be optical sideband signals.

As shown, the sideband transceiver 1110 can further be configured toprovide power over fiber P1 to the sideband transceiver 1112. Forexample, fiber P1 can be an optical fiber, and optical signalstransmitted by the transmitter 1021 through the fiber P1 can beconverted to an electrical signal which can be used to power thereceiver 1042. In some implementations, sideband transceiver 1110 caninclude a transmitter 1021 and a receiver 1022 and sideband transceiver1112 can include a transmitter 1041 and a receiver 1042, as depicted inFIGS. 15-17. Similarly, in some implementations, the sidebandtransceiver 1110 can further be configured to provide power to A/Vtransceiver 1108. For example, sideband transceiver 1110 can convert anelectrical power signal into an optical signal, transmit the opticalsignal to sideband transceiver 1112 over fiber P1, and sidebandtransceiver 1112 can convert the optical signal to an electric powersignal. Further, sideband transceiver 1112 can be configured to providethe electrical power signal to A/V transceiver 1108. An advantageprovided by such a configuration is the ability to eliminate the needfor an additional power pin connected to a power source through a sinkdevice (e.g., a TV or monitor).

Further, in some implementations, the optical signal transmitted on thefiber P1 can be a high power signal. The power of the optical signaltransmitted on the fiber P1 can be higher than the power of the opticalsignals transmitted on the fibers F1-F4. In some implementations, whenthe power level is less than a threshold (e.g., 5% of total power) or acondition indicates that one or more of fibers F1-F4 or cable 1180 maybe damaged, the optical signal transmitted on fiber P1 can be stopped.This can improve the safety of the optical communication interface 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 21, an optical communication interface 1100according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. Theoptical communication interface 1100 can be, for example, a HDMIcommunication interface which uses optical communication.

As shown, HDMI source transceiver 1102 can include audio/visual (A/V)transceiver 1106 and sideband transceiver 1110. Similarly, HDMI sinktransceiver 1112 can include A/V transceiver 1108 and sidebandtransceiver 1112. The transceivers 1102 and 1104 can communicate viafibers in the cable 1180. For example, optical signals can becommunicated through Fibers F1-F4 and A/V signals can be communicatedthrough A/V Fibers. The A/V fibers can be optical A/V fibers which cancommunicate signals between A/V transceiver 1106 and A/V transceiver1108. The optical signals communicated from sideband transceiver 1110 tosideband transceiver 1112 via fibers F1-F4 can be optical sidebandsignals.

Similar to FIG. 19, sideband transceiver 1110 can include a transmitter1021, a receiver 1022, and a light-control circuit 1023. Similar to thelight-control circuits 1023 described herein with respect to otherFigs., the light-control circuit 1023 can generate a light-controlsignal C1 to control the light LT of the cable 1180 according to a datainformation processed by the transmitter 1021. For example, the datainformation (e.g., one or more characteristics) can be a datatransmitting rate (e.g., a rate of the data transmitted from thetransmitter 1021 over fibers F1, F3, F4, etc.), a clock rate (e.g., afrequency of a clock cycle), an image resolution (e.g. a number ofpixels of a communicated image), a power consumption (e.g., a powerconsumption of a sink device, a source device, etc.), a temperature(e.g., an operating temperature), a vibration level (e.g., from avibration sensor as describe herein), and/or a content of thetransmitting data (e.g., a type of data transmitted).

Further, similar to FIG. 20, the sideband transceiver 1110 can furtherbe configured to provide power over fiber P1 to the sideband transceiver1112. In some implementations, the power provided to the sidebandtransceiver 1112 can be used to power the A/V transceiver 108 and/or thesideband transceiver 1112.

Referring now to FIG. 22, an optical communication interface 1100according to example aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. Theoptical communication interface 1100 can be, for example, a HDMIcommunication interface which uses optical communication.

As shown, HDMI source transceiver 1102 can include audio/visual (A/V)transceiver 1106 and sideband transceiver 1110. Similarly, HDMI sinktransceiver 1112 can include A/V transceiver 1108 and sidebandtransceiver 1112. The transceivers 1102 and 1104 can communicate viafibers in the cable 1180. For example, optical signals can becommunicated through Fibers F1-F4 and A/V signals can be communicatedthrough A/V Fibers. The A/V fibers can be optical A/V fibers which cancommunicate signals between A/V transceiver 1106 and A/V transceiver1108. The optical signals communicated from sideband transceiver 1110 tosideband transceiver 1112 via fibers F1-F4 can be optical sidebandsignals.

Similar to FIG. 21, sideband transceiver 1110 can include a transmitter1021, a receiver 1022, and a light-control circuit 1023. Similar to thelight-control circuits 1023 described herein, the light-control circuit1023 can generate a light-control signal C1 to control the light LT ofthe cable 1180 according to a data information processed by thetransmitter 1021. For example, the data information can be a datatransmitting rate (e.g., a rate of the data transmitted from thetransmitter 1021 over fibers F1, F3, F4, etc.), a clock rate (e.g., afrequency of a clock cycle), an image resolution (e.g. a number ofpixels of a communicated image), a power consumption (e.g., a powerconsumption of a sink device, a source device, etc.), a temperature(e.g., an operating temperature), a vibration level (e.g., from avibration sensor as describe herein), and/or a content of thetransmitting data (e.g., a type of data transmitted). Additionally, thesideband transceiver 1110 can further be configured to provide powerover fiber P1 to the sideband transceiver 1112. In some implementations,the power provided to the sideband transceiver 1112 can be used to powerthe A/V transceiver 1108 and/or the sideband transceiver 1112.

Moreover, similar to the optical communication interface 1100 depictedin FIG. 18, a vibration sensor 1024 can be included in or otherwise apart of a transceiver 1102 (e.g., as a part of sideband transceiver1110). In some implementations, the vibration sensor 1024 can be aG-sensor or a GYRO-sensor. In some implementations, the vibration sensor1024 can be configured to use Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS)technology and packaging. In so some implementations, the vibrationsensor 1024 can be configured to transmit a data information about avibration level to the light-control circuit 1023. For example, thevibration level can correspond to a vibration detected by the vibrationsensor 1024 and/or a vibration associated with a connected device (e.g.,a source device connected to connector 1150). The light-control circuit1023 can be configured to control a light LT according to the datainformation (e.g., the vibration level). As examples, the light LTemitted by the light-emitting element 1190 can pulse at a vibrationfrequency or have a brightness associated with a vibration level (e.g.,various vibration level thresholds can correspond to brightness levels).

In some implementations, the vibration sensor 1024 can be positioned orotherwise included in a transceiver 1104. For example, the transceiver1104 can include a vibration sensor 1024 and a light-control circuit1043 as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 17. Further, the vibration level cancorrespond to a vibration detected by the vibration sensor 1024 and/or avibration associated with a connected device (e.g., a sink deviceconnected to connector 1160).

This application optical communication interfaces to enable featurelight and power over fiber technologies. While the disclosure has beendescribed by way of example and in terms of a preferred embodiment, itis to be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. On thecontrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similararrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claimstherefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and similar arrangements andprocedures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a firstcoupling module, a power-on signal from a first electronic devicecoupled to the first coupling module; relaying, by the first couplingmodule, a first optical signal to a second coupling module coupled to asecond electronic device; relaying, by the second coupling module, inresponse to receipt of the first optical signal, a second optical signalto the first coupling module; wherein the first optical signal and thesecond optical signal are relayed over an optical fiber cable coupledbetween the first coupling module and the second coupling module, andwherein the optical fiber cable comprises a light-emitting element;activating, by the first coupling module, in response to receipt of thesecond optical signal, a data transfer circuit for relaying data via anoptical communication interface between the first coupling module andthe second coupling module; and generating, by the first coupling moduleor the second coupling module, a control signal to cause thelight-emitting element to emit a light along a surface of the opticalfiber cable, wherein the light emitted by the light-emitting elementcorresponds to one or more characteristics of the first coupling moduleor the second coupling module.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst optical signal is indicative of the power-on signal received fromthe first electronic device and detected by one or more pins of aconnector between the first coupling module and the first electronicdevice.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second optical signal isindicative of a hot plug detect (HPD) signal received from the secondelectronic device.
 4. The method of claim 1, comprising: applying thepower-on signal from the first electronic device to a source-sidecircuit in the first coupling module; and generating, by the source-sidecircuit in the first coupling module, the first optical signal.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein activating the data transfer circuit furthercomprises: receiving, by the source-side circuit, the second opticalsignal; and initiating, by the source-side circuit, an activation of thedata transfer circuit for relaying data between the first couplingmodule and second coupling module.
 6. The method of claim 1, comprising:receiving the first optical signal at a sink-side circuit in the secondcoupling module; and translating, by the sink-side circuit, the firstoptical signal into a power-on signal for the second electronic device.7. The method of claim 6, comprising: receiving, by the sink-sidecircuit, a hot plug detect (HDP) signal from the second electronicdevice; and translating, by the sink-side circuit, the HDP signal intothe second optical signal.
 8. The method of claim 1, comprising: waitingfor a first settling time to elapse between receiving the power-onsignal from the first electronic device and relaying the first opticalsignal from the first coupling module to the second coupling module. 9.The method of claim 8, comprising: waiting for a second settling time toelapse between receiving the second optical signal and relaying databetween a source transceiver in the first coupling module and a sinktransceiver in the second coupling module.
 10. The method of claim 1,comprising: relaying, by first coupling module, data from the firstelectronic device to the second coupling module for receipt at thesecond electronic device.
 11. The method of claim 1, comprising,converting one or more of the first optical signal or the second opticalsignal to an electrical signal to be used as a power source for one ormore of the first coupling module or the second coupling module.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first coupling module comprises alight-control circuit that is configured to control one or more of atype of light, a frequency, a brightness, a color, or a number of lightsemitted by the light-emitting element.
 13. An optical communicationinterface system, comprising: a first coupling module comprising: afirst device connector for coupling to a first electronic device; asource transceiver configured to relay data associated with the firstelectronic device; and a source-side circuit configured to receive apower-on signal from the first electronic device and generate a firstoptical signal for relay from the first coupling module to a secondcoupling module; the second coupling module comprising: a second deviceconnector for coupling to a second electronic device; a sink transceiverconfigured to relay data associated with the second electronic device;and a sink-side circuit configured to receive the first optical signaland to generate a second optical signal for relay from the secondcoupling module to the first coupling module; and a cable coupledbetween the first coupling module and the second coupling module, thecable comprising one or more optical fibers and configured to providedata transmission and reception over a plurality of channels between thefirst coupling module and the second coupling module upon receipt of thesecond optical signal by the first coupling module.
 14. The opticalcommunication interface system of claim 13, wherein each of the cable,the first coupling module, and the second coupling module comprises adetachable component for detaching the cable from the first couplingmodule or the second coupling module without removing the first couplingmodule from the first electronic device or removing the second couplingmodule from the second electronic device.
 15. The optical communicationinterface system of claim 13, wherein the cable further comprises one ormore electrical wires.
 16. The optical communication system of claim 13,wherein: the cable comprises a light-emitting element configured to emita light corresponding to one or more characteristics of the sourcetransceiver or the sink transceiver.
 17. The optical communicationsystem of claim 16, wherein: the first coupling module comprises: alight-control circuit for controlling the light-emitting element; and avibration sensor configured to detect a vibration level of the firstcoupling module and to communicate the vibration level to thelight-control circuit; and the one or more characteristics comprise thevibration level.
 18. The optical communication system of claim 13,wherein the one or more characteristics comprise one or more of a datatransmitting rate, a clock rate, an image resolution, a power level, atemperature, a vibration level, or a content associated with datatransmission over the one or more optical fibers.